The Venice Film Festival concludes on Saturday, poised to crown one lucky contender with the coveted Golden Lion prize from a diverse and remarkable collection of international films.
Among the rich tapestry of cinematic offerings is “The Brutalist,” a gripping saga by American filmmaker Brady Corbet that traverses the harrowing artistic journey of a Holocaust survivor. Similarly compelling is “A Room Next Door,” a poignant portrayal of a female friendship at the end of life by veteran Spanish director Pedro Almodovar. Despite the array of phenomenal films, no single entry has emerged as the frontrunner, adding to the suspense of the festival’s climax.
The 81st edition of the world’s oldest film festival has seen an influx of star power grace the glamorous Lido, their presence drawing even greater prominence to an event whose winners frequently ascend to Oscar glory. This year, the red carpet was walked by luminaries such as Lady Gaga, who stars alongside Joaquin Phoenix in the sequel to Todd Phillips’ acclaimed antihero film “Joker.” Equally notable were George Clooney and Brad Pitt, whose action comedy “Wolfs,” set to stream on Apple TV+, premiered out of competition.
Critics and pundits have already highlighted “The Brutalist” and “Queer” as films to keep a close eye on for their artistic ambition and stellar lead performances by Adrien Brody and Daniel Craig, respectively. Directed by Italy’s Luca Guadagnino, “Queer” is an adaptation of the Beat Generation novel by William Burroughs, featuring Craig in a transformative role.
Another high-profile contender is Angelina Jolie, who vies for the Best Actress award with her mesmerizing portrayal of opera diva Maria Callas in Pablo Larrain’s “Maria.” The race is intense, with Nicole Kidman also in the running for her audacious performance in “Babygirl,” an erotic thriller that demanded a fearless commitment to graphic sex scenes—scenes Kidman described as liberating.
Heading the jury this year is French actress Isabelle Huppert, who, along with her team, faces the unenviable task of selecting the Best Actor. Standout performances by Brody in “The Brutalist” and Craig in “Queer” are expected to make their decision extremely challenging.
In “Queer,” Craig’s portrayal of William Lee, a lonely, heavy-drinking gay writer in 1940s Mexico City, has already generated substantial Oscar buzz.
. The character’s poignant and tumultuous journey, driven by unrequited love and culminating in a drug-fueled road trip through South America, offers Craig a magnificent emotional canvas. “If I was writing myself a part and wanted to tick off the things I wanted to do, this would fulfill all of them,” Craig told journalists ahead of the film’s premiere.
The festival has not shied away from films tackling difficult and often controversial subjects. In addition to the dazzling star power and captivating storytelling, the program also delved into historical and contemporary issues with a fearless lens. Topics such as abortion in “April,” white supremacy in “The Order,” Mafia life in “Sicilian Letters,” and the brutal enforced disappearances during Brazil’s military dictatorship in “I’m Still Here” were among the themes explored by films in competition for the Golden Lion.
War, and its relentless repercussions, featured prominently in multiple entries, whether through documentaries on the ongoing conflict in Ukraine or the fraught relations between Israel and Palestine. Two Italian films focused on the World Wars shaping the last century, adding a historical perspective to the discourse.
One of the most striking films was “Russians at War,” directed by Russian-Canadian filmmaker Anastasia Trofimova. Offering a rare, behind-the-lines view of the Ukraine war from the perspective of Russian soldiers, Trofimova described her film as an attempt to humanize those often perceived through the lens of conflict. “Russian soldiers are not someone whose voices are heard,” she remarked during a press conference. “This is my attempt to see through the fog of war and to see people as people.”
This year’s Venice Film Festival, marked by its stellar showcase of diverse, compelling narratives and glittering star appearances, sets a high bar for future festivals. With the final curtain about to fall, the excitement builds as the world waits to discover which masterpiece will walk away with the Golden Lion, solidifying its place in cinema history.
